Insulin

Glucose

Protein

A polymer made up of amino acids joined by peptide bonds. The amino acids present and the order in which they occur vary from one protein to another.

Hormone

A chemical messenger produced by a particular gland or cells of the endocrine system. Hormones are transported throughout the body in the blood stream but they produce a response only in specific target cells

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly.

The full name for this disorder is diabetes mellitus. The disorder is more commonly known as diabetes and this will be used throughout the resource.

These computer graphics show the structure of insulin. It is a complex protein hormone

Image courtesy of: T. Blundell & N. Campillo / Wellcome Images

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